Laws are instituted in society to protect the vulnerable and violated. Too often we see rape victims, and others who are abused, withdraw statements, and allow alleged perpetrators of crime to walk free.
Many do so for various reasons, ranging from fear of a judicial system that they do not know how to navigate, have no resources to protect themselves from the vicious backlash that they often encounter from those in high profile or power positions, who themselves are the perpetrators or often protectors and associates of the perpetrators. I say this not to condemn the victims but to address the reality of their circumstances.
Rape is a criminal act and President Irfaan Ali has an opportunity to demonstrate his government is not prepared to trivialise this allegation, in the same way as Priya Manickchand did when she screamed in Parliament, “rape, rape, rape, rape!” One wonders if the PPP has an obsession with rape and other sexual violations, whether faking or engaging in acts that caused them to be accused, time and time again.
It is for the state to ensure the prosecution of rape when a police report is made. It is, however, unfortunate in cases, many, though true, are withdrawn as the victims and families are paid hush money, pressured or fearful of public embarrassment from an insensitive society, reporting and pursuing the case in a court of law. The perpetrators therefore escaped being brought to justice and continues the act of sexual violence, ensnaring more innocent victims into their trap.
In the case of the allegation against Minister Dharamlall, the teen identified is now claiming that it wasn’t her. However, the detailed story circulating in cyber space about this 16-year-old indigenous pageant contestant and the minister tells a story that is too graphic and detailed not to be true. This therefore raises high suspicion that the alleged perpetrator got to her through her parents, and seemingly also through an official, making contact on behalf of the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand as alleged in other circulated posts.
A young victim willing to be a “representative” of others and the indigenous community, appears to now be silenced by hush money which her parents allegedly received as compensation for her violation, the lost innocence, dignity, trauma and scars of which she alone will be burdened with for life.
If these allegations circulating in social media are correct, these are the consequences of a society brimming with poverty and moral decline. Our justice system is failing to give protection to this teen and her family. We must have urgent redress of our laws on rape, sodomy and sexual violence where the state can pursue prosecution.
Society will recall Minister Dharamlall came to prominence with his “dildo” reference to a female member of parliament in the Opposition. Clearly, the dishonourable member of parliament has an obsession where even in the sacred halls of parliament he could not refrain from lewd and vile sexual comments. Notably, he was not sanctioned for his inappropriate behavior by the Speaker of the House, his cabinet colleagues, male and female alike, who remained silent as though the female member of parliament was deserving of such inappropriate behaviour meted out to her.
No amount of claims of a political agenda should save this minister from administrative justice being meted out. The Guyanese society must therefore stand in support of this teenager who plucked enough courage, attempting to fight and expose the alleged brutish action, to none other than the president. The repeated allegations made against the minister should leave every family with any young child, male or female, nervous and fearful should they come into contact with him.
It was therefore disgusting to listen to the holder of the presidential office appearing more uncomfortable than deeply concerned about the alleged sexual violation meted out by a government official against a minor.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud proclaimed that the Child Care and Protection Agency is carrying out a full investigation. Guyanese have seen enough of the trickery of this government to have confidence in any investigation conducted by them.
As a member of parliament and officer of the court, I call for an independent investigation and for Minister Dharamlall to be relieved of his duties, with immediate effect, so as not to prejudice, in any way, the inquiry and findings. I also call for the support of the entire parliament and PPP supporters to make this possible. This is not a political issue, it is not a racial issue, it is a criminal issue!
Irfaan Ali must let Nigel Dharamlall go.
Guyana must rise! Guyana must rise!
